The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released new safety ratings for seven vehicles from Kia, Tesla, BMW, GMC, Lexus and Toyota, with only two models earning the organization’s highest Top Safety Pick+ award. The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026-2027 Tesla Model Y stood apart as stricter IIHS crash and crash-prevention tests prevented the other models from qualifying.
Kia Telluride and Tesla Model Y Earn Top Safety Pick+
The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026-2027 Tesla Model Y were the only two vehicles in the group to receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest recognition offered by the safety organization.
Both SUVs earned maximum Good ratings in every crash test and crash-prevention test. The Model Y had one minor exception, receiving a Marginal rating for the effectiveness of its seat belt reminder system.
The Telluride’s award applies only to models built after June 2026, when Kia improved the vehicle’s headlights. Models produced before that date received a Marginal rating for their headlights.
The Model Y’s award adds to Tesla’s reputation for generally excellent vehicle safety. The 2027 Telluride joins the K4, Sportage, EV9 and Sorento as Kia models that have earned a Top Safety Pick+ award.
BMW, Lexus, GMC and Toyota Models Miss the Award
Several luxury and other higher-priced vehicles did not qualify for an IIHS safety award. The BMW 3 Series, BMW i4 and Lexus IS missed out, as did the GMC Canyon pickup and Toyota Crown Signia.
- BMW 3 Series: Acceptable ratings for moderate overlap front and headlight tests; Marginal rating for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention.
- BMW i4: Marginal or Poor headlight ratings; Poor vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention.
- GMC Canyon Crew Cab: Marginal rating for the moderate overlap front test; Poor rating for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention.
- Lexus IS: Marginal rating for the moderate overlap front test; Acceptable rating for the side test.
- Toyota Crown Signia: Marginal rating for the moderate overlap front test.
The Tougher Moderate Overlap Front Test
The moderate overlap front crash test has become more demanding in recent years, and many vehicles have struggled to meet its standards. The test involves a 40-mph impact in which 40% of a vehicle’s width strikes a deformable barrier.
Researchers often find that rear-seat passengers are more vulnerable in this type of crash test, as was the case with the Lexus IS.
None of the five models that failed to earn an award are brand-new releases, and new-generation versions of those vehicles are expected to perform better.
Why the Latest IIHS Safety Ratings Matter
Vehicle safety is an important consideration for many buyers. While all seven vehicles meet basic safety requirements and can protect occupants in a crash, the IIHS testing process identifies specific vulnerabilities in individual models.
Many automakers are currently struggling to meet the standards of the tougher moderate overlap front and crash-prevention tests, although improvements continue to be made. Checking the latest IIHS safety ratings remains important when considering a new vehicle.
Recent IIHS research shows that nearly 50,000 lives have been saved as a result of the safety authority’s testing, underscoring the significance of continued improvements in vehicle crash protection and prevention systems.
